Photo Voltaic Solar Panels are how we will get most of our electricity. There are three for now and another three when we develop the top floor next year… hopefully. It may be difficult to comprehend that in 100 square feet of collector we can get much of the power needed to power all of the electrical lights, equipment and appliances for most of the year.
Our lot is close to 30,000 square feet (almost an acre), therefore our collector area represents approximately 1/3 of 1% of the potential sun energy hitting our property. Thanks for the help that day ‘bro’! That’s my little / big brother in the photo.
Wow… free help, free power and a solar panel rack that will double as a kayak shelter. Don’t things work out grand sometimes!
The Sharp Solar Panel Poly-Crystalline Solar Module with 224Watt Maximum Power This poly-crystalline 224 watt solar panel / module features 13.74% module efficiency for an outstanding balance of size and weight to power and performance. The reengineered frame includes a contoured edge to improve water management, reducing surface moisture and debris. The new back support bars allow better performance under mechanical load. Using breakthrough technology, perfected by nearly 50 years of Sharp’s research and development, the ND-224U2 modules incorporate an advanced surface texturing process to increase light absorption and improve efficiency.
Common applications include commercial and residential grid-tied roof systems as well as ground-mounted arrays. Designed to withstand rigorous operating conditions, Sharp’s ND-224U1F modules offer high power output per square foot of solar array and feature:
• High-power module (224W) using 156mm square polycrystalline silicon solar cells with 13.74% module conversion efficiency.
•Sharp’s advanced surface texturing process increases light absorption and efficiency while providing a more subdued, “natural” look.
• Bypass diodes minimize the power drop caused by shade.
• Water white tempered glass, EVA resin, and a weatherproof film, plus aluminum frame for extended outdoor use.
• Sharp modules are manufactured in ISO 9001 facilities in the USA and come with a 25-year limited warranty on power output.
I have been working in the heating and ventilation industry and consulting to people building new homes for 30 years. Good stewardship of resources and concern for the environment have been my focus. In 1982, we built (and still live in) one of the most energy efficient R2000 homes in Canada. My other involvements relating to energy efficiency, comfort and health in the home include speaking on numerous radio talk shows, teaching workshops and appearing on 
